Apparatus for sorting bottles

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for sorting bottles which includes means for advancing bottles to and from an inspection station is described. The bottles are advanced from the inspection station on one of at least two alternative paths in accordance with the condition of an electrically controlled means which, in turn, is controlled by photoelectric devices which sense characteristics of bottles as they pass through an inspection station. Two feeler devices are provided which are shiftable by different portions of a bottle for opening an orifice in a shutter device associated with the photoelectric devices. One photoelectric cell is arranged to sense the presence of a ceramic label. Logic circuits providing AND and OR functions are used for controlling the apparatus.

United States atent inventor EricHeslington Atkinson Bolton, England[21] Appl. No. 817.751 [22 Filed Apr. 21,1969 145] Patented June 29,1971 [73] Assignee Barry Wehmiller Machinery Company Limited 32 PriorityApr. 19,1968 [33] Great Britain [31} 18,561/68 [54] APPARATUS FORSORTING BOTTLES 23 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 209/75, 209/11l.7,209/82 [51] Int. Cl 1307c 5/28 [50] Fieldof Search 209/l11.6. 111.7, 75, 73, 74, 82; 250/223 B: 256/240 [56]References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 2,331,277 10/1943 Stout 250/223(B) Primary Examiner-Allen W. Knowles Attorney-Baldwin, Wight and BrownABSTRACT: An apparatus for sorting bottles which includes means foradvancing bottles to and from an inspection station is described. Thebottles are advanced from the inspection station on one of at least twoalternative paths in accordance with the condition of an electricallycontrolled means which, in turn, is controlled by photoelectric deviceswhich sense characteristics of bottles as they pass through aninspection station. Two feeler devices are provided which are shiftableby different portions of a bottle for opening an orifice in a shutterdevice associated with the photoelectric devices. One photoelectric cellis arranged to sense the presence of a ceramic label. Logic circuitsproviding AND and OR functions are used for controlling the apparatus.

PATENTED JUN29 197:

SHEET UF 5 PATENTED M29 971 SHEET 5 OF 5 APPARATUS IFOIR SORTING BOTTLESThis invention relates to the sorting of bottles.

Bottles returned for refilling at a bottling plant with a particularbeverage or other liquid are generally admixed with at least a smallproportion of foreign" bottles distinguished by shape and/or dimensionsand/or color and/or the presence or absence of permanent labelling fromthose to be filled.

Hitherto it has been necessary to sort the bottles by visual inspectionin order to remove the foreign bottles manually, which is very wastefulof manpower; on a large-capacity bottling line, as many as l people maybe necessary for this purpose.

The object of the invention is to provide apparatus for carrying outthis task automatically.

According to the invention, apparatus for sorting bottles comprisesmeans for advancing the bottles one by one to an inspection station andadvancing each bottle from the inspection station on one of at least twoalternative paths, electrically controlled means determining along whichpath a bottle advances from the station, a source of light and meansdirecting said light along at least one path towards at least onephotoelectric cell or set of cells, the light passing along each pathbeing subject to attenuation or cutoff by passing through the bottleand/or through shutter means controlled by or synchronous with movementof the bottle as it reaches the inspection station each cell or set ofcells being connected to electronic circuit means responsive to theoutput or conductance of the or each cell or set of cells reaching alevel corresponding to a given level of illumination thereof, saidelectronic circuit means being responsive to a predetermined state orcombination or combinations of responsive and nonresponsive states as abottle reaches the inspection station means to control said electricallycontrolled or operated means and thus to determine the path followed bythe bottle on leaving the inspection station.

The/or each light path and associated photoelectric cell is associatedwith the determination of a particular bottle characteristic or set ofcharacteristics, preferably all or any selection from the following:bottle color, bottle dimensions, and the presence on the bottle oflabels, particularly permanent labels of the ceramic type. These factorsare normally sufficient to sort bottles as received for refilling with ahigh degree of accuracy.

According to the invention also, apparatus for sorting bottles accordingto color comprises a source of diffused light, a photoelectric cell,means for advancing bottles to be inspected one by one to an inspectionstation between said light source and said cell whilst restrictingpassage of said diffused light through each bottle to a small areaframed by a window, and electronic circuit means associated with saidcell and operative to change state at a certain level of response fromsaid cell corresponding to the level of light transmitted by a bottle onthe borderline of acceptability as to color, and electrically controlledor operated means to forward bottles from said in spection station onone of two paths responsive to the state of said circuit.

Again according to the invention, apparatus for sorting bottlescomprises means to advance bottles one by one to an inspection station,at least two feeler devices shiftable by different parts of a bottleentering the inspection station, said devices each including a platehaving an orifice, said orifices being brought into alignment with eachother between a light source and a photoelectric cell upon a bottle ofthe desired dimensions entering the inspection station, electroniccircuit means associated with said cell and operative to change stateupon said cell being illuminated, and electrically controlled means toforward bottles from said inspection station on one of two pathsresponsive to the state of said circuit.

According also to the invention, apparatus for sorting bottles comprisesmeans for advancing bottles one by one into an inspection station, meansfor illuminating the base of the bottles, and one or more photoelectriccells spaced from the walls of the bottle to receive light radiated froma ceramic label as a result of light being transmitted up the walls fromthe base, electronic circuit means responsive to a predetermineddiminution of the output of the cells as a result of lack of radiationfrom the label, and electrically controlled means to forward bottlesfrom said inspection station on one of two paths according to whethersaid electronic circuit has responded to a diminution of cell response.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described with reference tothe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevatlon ofa bottle-sorting machine,

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the machine with the sorting head removed,

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic part plan view showing a modification,

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the sorting head on an enlarged scale,with its side cover removed, and partially broken away to show certainparts of the internal mechanism in section,

FIG. 5 is a section through the sorting head on the line V-V in FIG. 4showing the internal mechanism in plan but omitting all wiring andpartially broken away to show certain internal parts in section,

FIG. 6 shows a detail on an enlarged scale of a modification ofthemechanism shown in FIG. 5, and

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram.

Referring first to FIGS. I-3, the apparatus comprises a stand 2, aninspection station 4 situated over a lamp house 6 in the lower housing,a sorting head 8 supported above the inspection station by a column 10extending from the stand, a star wheel 12 mounted for rotation in thedirection shown by the arrow about a vertical axis on a hollow shaft 16journaled in a bearing 14 in housing 2 so that one point on itsperiphery is adjacent the inspection station 4, a conveyor 18 adapted toadvance bottles in single file towards the star wheel and away from thestar wheel, a spring belt 20 on free-running pulleys 34 supported fromthe column 10 by brackets, the belt holding the bottles against the starwheel, and a rotating table 35 within a pen 37, adjacent and to one sideof the star wheel, or a second conveyor 36 (see FIG. 3) extendingtangentially away from the star wheel at a point further advancedrelative to its direction of rotation.

The conveyor 18 runs alongside the inspection station 4 beneath the starwheel 12, so that advancing bottles are constrained by the action of thestar wheel and the belt 20 to leave the conveyor, pass through theinspection station 4, and to return to the conveyor, this last stepbeing assisted by a further idling star wheel 13.

In order to enable different sizes of bottles to be sorted, the column10 may be moved forwardly or rearwardly relative to the stand 2 onslides 3 by means ofa handwheel l1 and an associated screw drive, whilsta further handwheel 5 on the column provides vertical adjustment of thesorting head 8 on slides 7 carried by the column 10, thus accommodatingdifferent bottle diameters and heights. The star wheels 12 and 13 arealso interchangeable to suit different ranges of bottle size.

The star wheel 12 comprises two discs 22, 24 linked by struts 26 and isdetachably mounted on the shaft 16. The lower disc 22 has a series ofperipheral recesses 28 each adapted partially to receive the body of abottle, and the upper disc 24 a corresponding series of recesses 30adapted partially to receive the neck of a bottle. The disc 24 comprisesan inner flange portion 38 carried by a hub disc 39, an upwardlyextending frustoconical portion 40, and a radially extending flange 42,the last being provided with the recesses 30. In the frustoconicalportion 40 a window 44 is provided in line with each recess 30 so as tolie adjacent a portion of the neck of a bottle whose neck is received inthat recess, and a further series of smaller windows 46 is providedadjacent the first windows, but circumferentially displaced so as not tolie in line with the neck of a bottle received in the recess concerned.

Also mounted on the shaft 16 is a valve block 48 (see FIG. ll) carryinga number of radially extending tubes 50 (for clarity only two are shown)in line with the recesses in the discs, each tube terminating in arubber suction cup 52 adapted to contact the body ofa bottle received bythe recesses in the two discs. The valve block 48 contains a valveassociated with each tube and having positions connecting each cup 52via its tube 50 with the atmosphere or with a vacuum pump contained inthe base 2 via the hollow shaft 16 and a rotary joint, the valves beingoperated by plungers 54 (again only two are shown) extending verticallythrough the valve block.

In operation the star wheel 12 is rotated by the pressure of theincoming bottles on the conveyor 18, each bottle reaching the wheelbeing received by a pair of the recesses 28, 30 and being carriedthereby through the inspection station 4 and back onto the conveyor 18.However, a solenoid 56 is so arranged beneath the valve block 48 thatenergization of the solenoid whilst a bottle is in the inspectionstation will drive upwards that plunger 54 operating the valveassociated with the cup 52 contacting the bottle in the station, therebyevacuating the cup and holding the bottle firmly in the pair of recessesso that it cannot pass back onto conveyor 18 and is instead carried bythe star wheel 12, either into engagement with a guide 58 which holds itin the recesses until it is released onto the platform 35 (FIG. 2), oronto the conveyor 36 (FIG, 3), the bottle being released from the cup 52by a fixed cam (not shown) returning the plunger to the downwardposition, and connecting the cup 52 to the atmosphere. It will beappreciated that the route taken by individual bottles can be determinedby selective operation of the solenoid. By reversing the direction ofrotation of the table 35, bottles contained in the pen may be dischargedonto the conveyor 18 across platform 33.

The inspection station 4 comprises a platform 60 over which the bottlespass, the platform having a clear or opalised window 62 situated so thatin their progress over the platform each bottle will pass exactly overthe window. Light from the lamp house 6 shines upwardly onto theunderside of the platform so as to illuminate the window 62, and throughthis window, the bases of the bottles, an inclined mirror 64 (see FIG.4) within the head 8 and level with the portion 40 of the disc 24, and awindow 66 in a mirror housing 63 (see FIG.

Light passing through the window 62 is transmitted up the walls 68 ofabottle positioned thereover and illuminates these walls, throwing intocontrast any labels these may carry, light radiated by any ceramic labelon the bottle walls being picked up by two or more photoelectric cells70 distributed around the bottle ofthe level at which labels, normallyceramic labels, are expected to occur. If a sufficient number of cellsis used, depending on the circumferential extent of the label concerned(two will normally be sufficient), light will be received by at leastone of the cells from the edge-illuminated label, and the total outputor resistance of the cells will be different from that expected from abottle without a label. The use of base lighting in the manner describedis an important feature since it gives a large difference in overalloutput or resistance for labeled and unlabeled bottles and the lightemitted by a label may be easily received by a cell placed at theopposite side of the bottle, whilst by the alternative use of reflectedlight, the ceramic label may have a reflectivity similar to that ofglass.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the light reflected from the mirror 64passes through a window 72 and a diffuser 78 in the housing 8 towards aphotoelectric cell 76 mounted in a holder 84 behind an aperture 77 in adepending portion 74 of the housing 8 extending into the frustoconicalportion 40 of the disc 24, the cell 76 being arranged so as to be inline with a window 46 in disc portion 40 and the window 72 when the baseofa bottle engaged by the corresponding recesses 26 and 28 is exactly inthe inspection station 4.

Further light passes through the diffuser 78 and the window 72 towards afurther photoelectric cell 82 mounted in the holder 84 behind anaperture 79 and a color filter 80, the parts being aligned so that whena window 46 and the aperture 72 and cell 76 are in alignment, theaperture 72, the cell 82 and the corresponding window 44 are also inalignment, the light reaching the cell through that portion of thebottle neck formed by the window 44. It should be appreciated that theapparatus could be arranged so that the window 44 was opposite someother portion of the bottle if necessary or convenient, in order toobtain an unobstructed path for diffused light through the bottle.Alternatively, the cell 82 may be positioned above the bottle to receivelight passing through the bottle base via the window 62, or acombination of two cells measuring the color transmission of base andneck (or wall) may be used. The amount of light falling on the cell 76will depend on the light-absorbtive properties of the glass of which thebottle is made, and it is found that, at least with the photoelectriccells currently available, and with the glasses commonly used for bottlemaking, the color filter is necessary to provide sufficientdifferentiation in the cell response between the transmissioncharacteristics of glasses of different color and shade. Further, theuse of diffused light is essential if consistent transmission throughbottles of the same color is to be achieved, since effects due torefraction of the light by the glass then tend to cancel each other.

The light passing through the aperture 66 falls on the overlapping endsof a pair of elongated shutter members 86, 88 above which is situated afurther photoelectric cell 90. The overlapping ends of the shuttermembers are formed with apertures 92, 93 respectively and form a shutterassembly which can be opened to allow light from the window 66 to fallon the cell by alignment of the two apertures 92.

The member 88 is pivoted on a sleeve 89 carried by a vertical shaft 94supported by a bearing assembly 87 and carrying a feeler 96 at its lowerend, and the sleeve is biased by a spring 97 anchored by a screw 98 sothat the feeler 96 projects into the path of the top lip of a bottle 100passing through the inspection station 4. Provision is made foradjusting the shaft 94 vertically relative to the sleeve 89, whilst thesleeve 89 carries an arm 91 connected by a spring 95 to the member 88,the angle between the arm and the member being adjustable by means of ascrew 99. The feeler 96 can thus be set with vertically and angularlyrelative to the member 88 so that when an angle 102 in the feeler 96engages the lip of a bottle of a desired height and neck diameter, theaperture 92 in the free end of the member 88 will be in alignment withthe window 66 and the cell 90. if the neck of the bottle is too large ortoo small, the feeler will be deflected more or less, and alignment willnot occur; if the bottle is too tall or too short, the feeler will bedeflected too much, owing to the bottle engaging the feeler above thenotch, or not at 11, owing to the bottle missing the feeler.

The member 86 is pivoted on a sleeve 101 carried by a vertical shaft 104supported by a bearing assembly 103 and carrying a feeler 106 at itslower end, and the sleeve is spring-biased by a spring anchored by ascrew 108 so that the feeler 106 projects into the path of the bodiesofa bottle passing through the inspection station 4. Provision is madefor adjusting the shaft 104 vertically relative to the sleeve 101, andthe member 86 relative to the sleeve 101 by means ofa micrometer screwdevice 110 acting between the member and an arm 107 fast to the sleeveand linked to the member by a spring 109, so that when the feelerengages the body of a bottle of the desired diameter, the aperture 93 inthe free end of the member will be in alignment with the aperture 66 andthe cell 90. The free ends of the members 86 and 88 are forked so thatthe arms 111 of the forks will limit movement of the members bycontacting stops 113. Any excess movement of the feelers 96, 106 will beaccommodated by the springs 95, 109.

If a bottle at the inspection station 4 has the correct body diameter,neck diameter and height, the cell 90 will be exposed to light from thewindow 66 since the apertures 93 will be in alignment with each other,the cell and the window. Moreover the arrival of a bottle at theinspection station will result in light falling on the cell 76, infiltered diffused light which has passed through the neck of the bottlefalling on the cell 82, and in light radiated from a label on the bottlefalling on the cells 70. The dimensional tolerances permissible in thebottles being inspected are set by the dimensions of the apparatus 92.Since in the case of bottle diameter at least the tolerances requiredwill vary with bottle size, some means for adjusting tolerance isdesirable. This is achieved by the arrangement of FIG. 6, which showsthe member 116 equipped with means for automatic tolerance compensation.A pin 51 is carried by a plunger member 53 of the micrometer screwdevice 110, this pin projecting through a slot 55 in an outer sleeve 57of the device. A shutter plate 59 is pivoted to the plate 88 so that oneend partially obturates the aperture Q3 and a grommet 61 mounted on theother end engages the pin 51. Thus as the micrometer screw device isextended so as to set the feeler for larger bottles, the degree ofobturation of the aperture 93 is decreased and the tolerance increased.Different tolerance ranges are provided by providing alternative holes63 in the plates 59 and 88 into which a pivot pin 65 may be inserted.

The photoelectric cells used are preferably photoresistive, althoughphotovoltaic cells or other photoelectric devices could conceivably beused, and further description is based on the assumption thatphotoresistive cells are used.

The lower housing 2 accommodates a stabilized AC power supply whichsupplies a tungsten lamp in the lamp house 6, and an electronic assemblyconsisting of a circuit board 112 mounted in the upper housing whichprocesses the output of the cells 76, 70, 82, 90, and the solenoid 56,the last being controlled by the assembly 112.

This assembly, described with reference to FIG. 1, comprises a separatepower supply comprising a transformer T1, its primary being connected tothe stabilized AC supply at 114, 116. The transformer secondary isconnected across a bridge rectifier comprising diodes D1-D4, the outputof which is connected to a negative lead 118 and a positive lead 120,and is smoothed by capacitor C1. The positive lead 121) feeds twofurther positive leads 122, 124, through resistors R6, R7, thepotentials of both being stabilized by diodes D5, D6 and D7, D8.

The resistance of the photoresistive cell 76 is lowered in response tothe illumination it receives upon a bottle reaching the inspectionstation 41, and since it is connected to assembly 112 so as to form partof a potential divider completed by re sistor R1 and presetpotentiometer VR1, it controls the bias applied to the base oftransistor TR1, which together with TR2, R2, R3 and R41, forms a Schmitttrigger circuit fed from the positive lead 122. Triggering of thecircuit by reason of lowering the resistance of cell 76 beyond a levelpreset by means of VR1 causes TR2 to conduct and a pulse to be transmitted to an amplifier comprising TR3, R8 and R9 via coupling capacitorC2, from whence the amplified pulse is applied to the base of T114 whichforms part of an AND gate comprising TR4 and TRS. The collector of TR4is fed from the lead 122 via TR5, which conducts only on a suitable biasbeing applied to its base.

Assuming that TR5 is conducting, the pulse potential developed acrossR111 passes via R11 to a further amplifier fed from the lead 120 andcomprising TR6, TR7, R12, R13, R14 and R15, a network comprising C3, R16serving 'to maintain a sufficient bias at the base of TR6 to enable itto conduct for a period determined by the values of C3 and R16. Diode D9prevents the development of a reverse potential across C3.

The potential developed at the junction of R12 and R is applied to thegate electrode of the triac TC which is in a series circuit with thesolenoid 56 connected to the same source of AC current as the primary oftransformer T1. The triac therefore conducts and thus operates thesolenoid for a period determined by the values of C3 and R16. A networkcomprising R17 and C4 protects the triac from induced surge potentialswhen the triac ceases to conduct and the solenoid is deenergized. Thuseach pulse that passes TR 1 causes actuation of the solenoid anddiversion to conveyor 36 of the bottle whose arrival at the inspectionstation coincided with the original generation of the pulse.

Such a pulse will however be held at TR4, and the solenoid not actuated,if no bias is applied to the base of TR5, the application or otherwiseof a bias being determined by that part of the circuit fed from the lead124. The photoresistive cell 82 is connected to form a potential dividerwith R18 and either of the two present potentiometers VR2 and VR3according to the position of switch S1, the divider being used to biasthe base of transistor TR8 which together with TR9, R19, R20 and R21forms a further Schmitt trigger circuit. According to the position ofS1,either VR1 or VR2 is set so that a value of resistance of the cell 82exactly corresponding to a level of filtered light transmission fallingbetween that of bottles acceptable and that of bottles not acceptable onthe ground of color causes TR7 to be biased to exactly that level atwhich the Schmitt trigger circuit changes state from TR8 conducting toTR9 conducting or vice versa. S1 and the second potentiometer enables analternative level to be present and selected at will. Thus the presenceat the inspection station of a bottle darker than the preset level willcause TR8 to conduct, and a potential to be developed across R20, whilsta lighter bottle will cause TR9 to conduct, and a potential to bedeveloped across R21.

By means of 52, either one of these potentials if developed may beapplied via diode D10, switch S5 and resistance R22 to the base of TRS,causing the latter to conduct and TR4 to pass the pulse developed fromcell 76. If S2 is operated to select the potential if any across R20,bottles darker than the selected level will be diverted, and if thepotential if any across R21 is selected, bottles lighter than theselected level will be diverted.

The photoresistive cells and 70 are connected into similar circuits,comprising respectively TRIO, TR11, R23 26, VR4, S3, D11 and S6, andTRl2, TR13, R27-30, VRS, 54, D12 and S7, the only difference being thatno alternative preset potentiometer and associated switch is provided ineither case. Switches S5S7 enable any one of the three circuits to beswitched out, whilst the diodes Dl0Dl2 prevent interaction between thecircuits and form an OR gate.

In the case of the circuit associated with cell 90, the switch S3 isoperative either to divert or not to divert dimensionally acceptablebottles according to whether the potential across R25 or R24 isselected, whilst in the case of the circuit associated with cell 70, theswitch S4 is operative either to divert or not to divert bottles withceramic labels, according to whether the potential across R30 or R29 isselected.

Since it is important that the pulse transmitted as a result of theillumination of the cell 76 is not transmitted prematurely before thebottle fully enters the inspection station, the windows 46 are ofrelatively small size so that the pulse is not transmitted until thebottle is exactly at the inspection station.

It will be seen that complete versatility is provided as to which bottlecharacteristics are to cause diversion. It will normally be the casethat rejected bottles will be diverted, but the opposite condition maybe convenient, or it may be desired to sort a relatively small number ofbottles of a specific type from mixed bottles. All these possibilitiesare allowed for, whilst the characteristics assessed by the apparatusare sufficient in most cases to enable reliable sorting, and in anyevent sufficiently reliably to enable the operator of the machine toremove manually any missorted bottles.

It is convenient instead of providing for manual operation of theswitches Sl-S7 to use microswitches mounted on a common circuit boardwith the remainder of the circuit components, the circuit board whichthus forms the assembly 112 being mounted in a rack .140 carrying a slotassembly 142 for the insertion of a card or tablet parallel to the boardand adapted to depress the actuators of the microswitches (indicated bythe letter S), the tablet or card being cut away so that in its fullyinserted position, no pressure will be applied to the actuators of thoseswitches that are to remain open. By providing a series of such tabletsor cards a number of different sorting operations may be programmed atwill. The assembly 112 is provided with an edge connector 148 adapted toengage a suitable socket 144 carried by the rack 140, connections (notshown) to the photoelectric cells via leads 150, 152,

154 and to a power supply being made via a terminal strip 146.

What we claim is:

1. Apparatus for sorting bottles comprising:

a. means for advancing the bottles one by one to an inspection stationand from the inspection station by one of at least two alternate paths;

. electrically controlled means adapted to determine along which path abottle advances from the inspection station;

. a light source and means for directing said light along at least onepath toward at least one photoelectric cell;

(1. electronic circuit means connected to said at least onephotoelectric cell, said electronic circuit means being operative tochange from one state to another in response to the cell reaching alevel corresponding to a given level of illumination thereof and totransmit a signal to said electrically controlled means in response toone of said states of said electronic means; and

e. at least two feeler devices shiftable by different parts of a bottleentering the inspection station, said devices each being connected to ashutter member having an orifice, said orifices being brought intoalignment with each other between said light source and said at leastone photoelectric cell upon a bottle of desired dimensions entering theinspection station, the electronic circuit means being operative tochange state upon said photoelectric cell being illuminated through theorifices in said shutter members.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that the means foradvancing bottles to and from the inspection station comprises a starwheel mounted on a vertical axis in chordal overlying relationship to aconveyor adapted to advance bottles to be sorted to the star wheel andto forward them from the star wheel on one of the alternative paths, thestar wheel being adapted on rotation to divert bottles off the conveyorand through the inspection station, the star wheel being equipped withselectively operable electrically controlled means to hold individualbottles thereagainst whereby to prevent their being released onto theconveyor again after passing through the inspection station, saidelectrically controlled means being controlled by said electroniccircuit means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that one of saidfeeler devices is spring-biased into the path of the body of a bottlepassing through the inspection station, and another of said feelerdevices is biased into the path of the neck of such a bottle.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 characterized in that the feelerdevices are mounted on shafts, journaled in a housing supported over theinspection station, and the shutter members and the associated cell arewithin the housing.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 characterized in that the housingextends downwardly to either side of that part of the inspection stationarranged to be occupied by a neck ofa bottle, and the cell and source oflight are housed in the housing to the two sides of the bottle neck.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that the position ofthe shutter members relative to one feeler member is adjustable.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that the size of theorifice in at least one of the shutter members is ad justable.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 characterized in that adjustment ofthe position of one of the shutter members relative to the associatedfeeler member adjusts the size of the orifice in that shutter member.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 characterized in that the adjustmentof the size of the orifice in said one of the shutter members is bymeans of a shutter plate pivoted on said one of the shutter members, theposition of said one of the shutter members relative to one of thefeeler members is adjusted by a micrometer screw device acting betweenthe one shutter member and an arm carried by an associated shaft, andthe shutter plate is pivoted on the said one of the shutter members bythe micrometer screw device.

10. Apparatus according to claim 4 characterized in that the position ofthe housing relative to the inspection station is adjustable bothvertically, and horizontally in a direction perpendicular to thedirection of movement of bottles through the inspection station.

11. Apparatus for sorting bottles comprising:

a. means for advancing the bottles one by one to an inspection stationand from the inspection station by one of at least two alternate paths;

b. electrically controlled means adapted to determine along which path abottle advances from the inspection station;

. a light source and means for directing said light along at least onepath toward at least one photoelectric cell; and

d. electronic circuit means connected to said at least one photoelectriccell, said electronic circuit means being operative to change from onestate to another in response to the cell reaching a level correspondingto a given level of illumination thereof and to transmit a signal tosaid electrically controlled means in response to one of said states ofsaid electronic means;

. said light source being positioned for illuminating the base ofbottles when in the inspection station, said photoelectric cell beingspaced from the walls of the bottle to receive light radiated from anedge-illuminable label or the like as a result of light beingtransmitted up the walls from the base, and said electronic circuitmeans being responsive to a predetermined diminution of the output ofthe at least one photoelectric cell as a result of lack of radiationfrom a label if none is present.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 characterized in that theedge-illuminable label is a ceramic label.

13. Apparatus for sorting bottles comprising:

a. means for advancing said bottles one by one to an inspection station,and from the inspection station onto one of two paths;

b. circuit means controlled by electrical signals for determining alongwhich path each bottle advances from said inspection station accordingto whether a signal is applied;

a plurality of photoelectric devices each including a photoelectriccell, each operative to sense a different characteristic of a bottle inthe inspection station, and including electronic circuit means operativeto change from one state to another in response to the presence orabsence ofa desired characteristic; and d. an additional photoelectriccell and light source provided together with shutter means synchronizedwith the movement ofa bottle into the inspection station;

. the electronic circuit means including a gate means controlled by saidadditional photoelectric cell for preventing said electronic circuitmeans from responding to the outputs from responding to the outputs fromeach of said photoelectric cells forming part of said plurality ofphotoelectric devices except when a bottle is in the inspection station.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 characterized in that the shuttermeans are integral with the means for advancing bottles to and from theinspection station.

15. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the gatemeans comprises an at least two-input AND-gatecontrolling means tooperate said circuit means, the condition of said gate means determininginto which path a bottle is directed on leaving the inspection station,one input to the gate means being derived from said additional cell, andthe other input from at least one of the plurality of photoelectricdevices sensing bottle characteristics.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 characterized in that signalsderived from said plurality of photoelectric cells are applied to theAND gate via an OR gate.

.17. Apparatus according to claim 16 characterized in that the inputs tothe OR gate are derived from circuits responsive to a threshold level ofcell response to illumination, and

- switching means are included for determining whether a signal istransmitted in the appropriate threshold level being reached or viceversa.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 characterized in that additionalswitching means are provided operative to select different thresholdlevels for the response to at least one cell or plurality ofcells.

19. Apparatus according to claim 17 characterized in that additionalswitching means are provided operative to cut oft" the input to the ORgate of signals derived from the response of any selected cell orplurality of cells.

20. Apparatus according to claim 17 characterized in that the switchingmeans are arranged on one side of a circuit board and are adapted to beoperated by a removable card or tablet held parallel to the boardagainst switches forming said switches means, a plurality of cards ortablets being provided, said cards or tablets being cut away so as tooperate selected switches forming said switching means only on beingheldagainst the switches.

21, Apparatus according to claim 18 characterized in that the switchingmeans are arranged on one side of a circuit board and are adapted to beoperated by a removable card or tablet held parallel to the boardagainst switches forming said switching means, a plurality of cards ortablets being provided, said cards or tablets being cut away so as tooperate selected switches forming said switching means only on beingheld against the switches.

22. Apparatus according to claim 19 characterized in that the switchingmeans are arranged on one side of a circuit board and are adapted to beoperated by a removable card or tablet held parallel to the boardagainst switches forming said switching means, a plurality of cards ortablets being provided, said cards or tablets being cut away so as tooperate selected switches forming said switching means only on beingheld against the switches.

23, Apparatus according to claim 18 characterized in that additionalswitching means are provided operative to cut off the input to the OR-gate of signals derived from the response of any selected cell orplurality of cells.

1. Apparatus for sorting bottles comprising: a. means for advancing thebottles one by one to an inspection station and from the inspectionstation by one of at least two alternate paths; b. electricallycontrolled means adapted to determine along which path a bottle advancesfrom the inspection station; c. a light source and means for directingsaid light along at least one path toward at least one photoelectriccell; d. electronic circuit means connected to said at least onephotoelectric cell, said electronic circuit means being operative tochange from one state to another in response to the cell reaching alevel corresponding tO a given level of illumination thereof and totransmit a signal to said electrically controlled means in response toone of said states of said electronic means; and e. at least two feelerdevices shiftable by different parts of a bottle entering the inspectionstation, said devices each being connected to a shutter member having anorifice, f. said orifices being brought into alignment with each otherbetween said light source and said at least one photoelectric cell upona bottle of desired dimensions entering the inspection station, theelectronic circuit means being operative to change state upon saidphotoelectric cell being illuminated through the orifices in saidshutter members.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in thatthe means for advancing bottles to and from the inspection stationcomprises a star wheel mounted on a vertical axis in chordal overlyingrelationship to a conveyor adapted to advance bottles to be sorted tothe star wheel and to forward them from the star wheel on one of thealternative paths, the star wheel being adapted on rotation to divertbottles off the conveyor and through the inspection station, the starwheel being equipped with selectively operable electrically controlledmeans to hold individual bottles thereagainst whereby to prevent theirbeing released onto the conveyor again after passing through theinspection station, said electrically controlled means being controlledby said electronic circuit means.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1characterized in that one of said feeler devices is spring-biased intothe path of the body of a bottle passing through the inspection station,and another of said feeler devices is biased into the path of the neckof such a bottle.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 3 characterized inthat the feeler devices are mounted on shafts, journaled in a housingsupported over the inspection station, and the shutter members and theassociated cell are within the housing.
 5. Apparatus according to claim4 characterized in that the housing extends downwardly to either side ofthat part of the inspection station arranged to be occupied by a neck ofa bottle, and the cell and source of light are housed in the housing tothe two sides of the bottle neck.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 1characterized in that the position of the shutter members relative toone feeler member is adjustable.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 1characterized in that the size of the orifice in at least one of theshutter members is adjustable.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 7characterized in that adjustment of the position of one of the shuttermembers relative to the associated feeler member adjusts the size of theorifice in that shutter member.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 8characterized in that the adjustment of the size of the orifice in saidone of the shutter members is by means of a shutter plate pivoted onsaid one of the shutter members, the position of said one of the shuttermembers relative to one of the feeler members is adjusted by amicrometer screw device acting between the one shutter member and an armcarried by an associated shaft, and the shutter plate is pivoted on thesaid one of the shutter members by the micrometer screw device. 10.Apparatus according to claim 4 characterized in that the position of thehousing relative to the inspection station is adjustable bothvertically, and horizontally in a direction perpendicular to thedirection of movement of bottles through the inspection station. 11.Apparatus for sorting bottles comprising: a. means for advancing thebottles one by one to an inspection station and from the inspectionstation by one of at least two alternate paths; b. electricallycontrolled means adapted to determine along which path a bottle advancesfrom the inspection station; c. a light source and means for directingsaid light along at least one path toward at least one photoelectriccell; and d. electronic circUit means connected to said at least onephotoelectric cell, said electronic circuit means being operative tochange from one state to another in response to the cell reaching alevel corresponding to a given level of illumination thereof and totransmit a signal to said electrically controlled means in response toone of said states of said electronic means; e. said light source beingpositioned for illuminating the base of bottles when in the inspectionstation, said photoelectric cell being spaced from the walls of thebottle to receive light radiated from an edge-illuminable label or thelike as a result of light being transmitted up the walls from the base,and said electronic circuit means being responsive to a predetermineddiminution of the output of the at least one photoelectric cell as aresult of lack of radiation from a label if none is present. 12.Apparatus according to claim 11 characterized in that theedge-illuminable label is a ceramic label.
 13. Apparatus for sortingbottles comprising: a. means for advancing said bottles one by one to aninspection station, and from the inspection station onto one of twopaths; b. circuit means controlled by electrical signals for determiningalong which path each bottle advances from said inspection stationaccording to whether a signal is applied; c. a plurality ofphotoelectric devices each including a photoelectric cell, eachoperative to sense a different characteristic of a bottle in theinspection station, and including electronic circuit means operative tochange from one state to another in response to the presence or absenceof a desired characteristic; and d. an additional photoelectric cell andlight source provided together with shutter means synchronized with themovement of a bottle into the inspection station; e. the electroniccircuit means including a gate means controlled by said additionalphotoelectric cell for preventing said electronic circuit means fromresponding to the outputs from responding to the outputs from each ofsaid photoelectric cells forming part of said plurality of photoelectricdevices except when a bottle is in the inspection station.
 14. Apparatusaccording to claim 13 characterized in that the shutter means areintegral with the means for advancing bottles to and from the inspectionstation.
 15. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that thegate means comprises an at least two-input AND-gate-controlling means tooperate said circuit means, the condition of said gate means determininginto which path a bottle is directed on leaving the inspection station,one input to the gate means being derived from said additional cell, andthe other input from at least one of the plurality of photoelectricdevices sensing bottle characteristics.
 16. Apparatus according to claim15 characterized in that signals derived from said plurality ofphotoelectric cells are applied to the AND gate via an OR gate. 17.Apparatus according to claim 16 characterized in that the inputs to theOR gate are derived from circuits responsive to a threshold level ofcell response to illumination, and switching means are included fordetermining whether a signal is transmitted in the appropriate thresholdlevel being reached or vice versa.
 18. Apparatus according to claim 17characterized in that additional switching means are provided operativeto select different threshold levels for the response to at least onecell or plurality of cells.
 19. Apparatus according to claim 17characterized in that additional switching means are provided operativeto cut off the input to the OR gate of signals derived from the responseof any selected cell or plurality of cells.
 20. Apparatus according toclaim 17 characterized in that the switching means are arranged on oneside of a circuit board and are adapted to be operated by a removablecard or tablet held parallel to the board against switches forming saidswitches means, a plurality of cards oR tablets being provided, saidcards or tablets being cut away so as to operate selected switchesforming said switching means only on being held against the switches.21. Apparatus according to claim 18 characterized in that the switchingmeans are arranged on one side of a circuit board and are adapted to beoperated by a removable card or tablet held parallel to the boardagainst switches forming said switching means, a plurality of cards ortablets being provided, said cards or tablets being cut away so as tooperate selected switches forming said switching means only on beingheld against the switches.
 22. Apparatus according to claim 19characterized in that the switching means are arranged on one side of acircuit board and are adapted to be operated by a removable card ortablet held parallel to the board against switches forming saidswitching means, a plurality of cards or tablets being provided, saidcards or tablets being cut away so as to operate selected switchesforming said switching means only on being held against the switches.23, Apparatus according to claim 18 characterized in that additionalswitching means are provided operative to cut off the input to the ORgate of signals derived from the response of any selected cell orplurality of cells.